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Date: 11/10/2023
Where:
Israel, Gaza
Who’s involved:
Israeli government, Hamas, Hezbollah, Iranian government.
What has happened since October 10th?
Multiple laser attacks were reported yesterday at Ben Gurion International airport, most were reported during the approach phase and a couple during departure.
The following NOTAM (navigation) was published indicating that the Ben Gurion was temporarily closed for landing between 2200-2300 UTC which was later withdrawn.
A1103/23 NOTAMN
Q) LLLL/QFALT/IV/NBO/A /000/999/3201N03453E005
A) LLBG B) 2310101825 C) 2310191600
E) CLOSURE FOR LDG BTN 0100-0200LMT (2200-2300UTC) TEMPO WITHDRAWN.
ISRAEL AIP, PART AD, PAGE AD-2-LLBG-15, PARA 6.4 REF.
CREATED: 10 Oct 2023 18:25:00
SOURCE: EUECYIYN
The Red Alert app, warning for missile attacks, was hacked by Pro-Palestinian hacktivist group that exploited a flaw in the Red Alert app and sent a fake threat of nuclear attack and missile attack.
On Tuesday the 10th there were a couple of Rocket attacks by Hamas aimed at Tel Aviv and a few at Ben Gurion airport, non penetrated successfully. The airport remained open during the attacks and they had no effect on the Flight Operations. Since the start of the current conflict no missile was successful at hitting the airport or any of the structures.
The Israeli Defense force has taken additional mitigation measures on the ground and in the air to minimize the potential threat of Surface to Air Missiles attacks against Flight Operations at Ben Gurion airport. With the current measures in place around Ben Gurion International Airport and the arrival and departure routes, the potential threat of this being used against the current flight operations at Ben Gurion airport is minimal.
Most airlines still look at the situation on a day-by-day basis and have announced to postpone flight operations until thursday. Turkish Airlines has joined the list of Airlines currently postponing flight operations into Ben Gurion airport.
Only carriers still flying are El Al, and Israeli Airlines (Isair), British Airways (morning rotation), Fly Dubai, Emirates, Sun Express, Tus Air, Blue Bird, Ethiopian Airlines, Georgian Airways.
Lufthansa Cargo is continuously monitoring the development of the situation closely and is in close contact with the authorities. Decisions on the future flight program will be taken on Thursday Oct 12th.
British Airways has changed its daily flights from London Heathrow to Tel Aviv so that they depart in the morning instead of the afternoon. It is thought the move is to avoid crew having to stay overnight in Israel.
As of Sunday Oct 8 th there are no more General Aviation(business) flights possible to and from LLBG Ben Gurion International Airport as per NOTAM:
A1089/23 NOTAMR A1059/23
Q) LLLL/QFALT/IV/NBO/A /000/999/3201N03453E005
A) LLBG B) 2310081328 C) 2310191600
E) ARR OF GA ACFT PROHIBITED FM OCT 08 0500UTC (0800LMT).
DEP OF GA ACFT PROHIBITED FM OCT 08 1700UTC (2000LMT).
Countries currently undertaking or completed NEO (Noncombatant Evacuation Operations).
Brazil, Bulgaria, Hungaria, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, United States, the Netherlands, Spain, Chile.
Countries planning NEO (Noncombatant Evacuation Operations).
United Kingdom.
CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) Israel informs that Eilat-Ramon International airport (LLER-ETM) is available, both as a preferable alternate airport and as a possible destination within Israel, outside the present zone of conflict.
Israair Airlines has begun operating flights from Ramon Airport to the following destinations: Athens, Vienna, Oslo, Paris and London.
EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) brought out a CZIB (Conflict Zone Information Bulletin) for the Tel Aviv FIR (Flight Information Region) FIR Tel Aviv (LLLL) Oct 8th, 2023
Analysis:
If flying to Ben Gurion, contingency fuel is needed in case of (temporary) airport closure. Ben Gurion is a primary target for Hamas missile strikes.
The war is expected to continue for at least the near future, and a day-to-day assessment should be made on the security of the airspace and the country.
Air operators should closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications issued by Israeli State authorities, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones.
Air Operations who will have crew staying overnight provide their crew with proper security training and information for the ground situation, like location to the nearest bomb shelter, etc this information is being provided by the Israel authorities.
They should ensure that a robust risk assessment is in place together with a high level of contingency planning for their operations and be ready for short notice instructions from the Israeli authorities.